Mark McKown

Mark Ervin McKown, age 55, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 22, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Illinois. He was born July 5, 1968, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Melton E. McKown and the late Linda F. (Lohrstorfer) McKown.

Mark graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas, Texas. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy and the Naval Reserves. After military service, Mark returned to Decatur, Illinois. Mark was a dedicated employee for Archer Daniel Midland Company for 28 years. He was committed to union representation and served as vice-president and most recently as president of the union. Mark was proud to serve members of The Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union.

Family was very important to Mark. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his bonus children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed returning to Red Oak, Texas, to spend time with his dad and stepmother, Mina. The 4^th of July has become quite a family event on their five-acre property! Another delight for Mark was the annual family reunion at the Current River in Missouri.

In addition to his mother, Mark was predeceased by his great-grandmother, Carmen Larry; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn McKown and Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Lohrstorfer; aunt, Kathy (McKown) Davidson.

Mark is survived by his father, Melton, and stepmother Mina, of Red Oak, Texas; stepsibling, Stacey Crane, of Dallas, Texas; nieces, Megan and Madison Crane; nephew, Mason Crane.

His Illinois family includes his former wife, Vickie; bonus children, Mandy Ashenfelter, Lindsey Ashenfelter, Michael (Amanda) Ashenfelter; seven grandchildren, Chase (Megan) Ashenfelter, Bailey Ashenfelter,  Brooklyn McQueen, Ramie Spinnie, Kiley Ashenfelter, Madison Ashenfelter, Preston Ashenfelter; great-grandchild on the way, Damian Fredrick; great aunt, Juanita Larry; special family friend, Mary Hipsher; aunt, Theresa (Sam) Bowser; uncles, Charles (Nancy) Lohrstorfer; Fred (Beth) Lohrstorfer; Tim (Suzanne) Lohrstorfer.

The memorial for Mark will be Saturday, July 8, at 11:30 am at The Hall at Five Twenty Banquet Hall, located at 520 E. North Street, Decatur, Illinois 62523. Bishop Wayne Dunning will lead the celebration of life.  Family requests casual dress; wear your favorite team shirt or in Mark’s Dallas Cowboy spirit, wear silver and blue!

Donations in Mark’s remembrance can be sent to Northeast Community Food Bank or Good Samaritan Inn. Both centers are located in Decatur, Illinois, and serve the less fortunate in the community.

*Family members, friends and co-workers are welcome to share special memories during the celebration of Mark’s life.

Lunch will be provided for family and friends after the service.